We are just about to turn the page on 2010, and open the exciting new book of 2011.

2010 flew by for us and was such a contrasting year of highs and lows. We were fortunate enough to see a comfortable season despite the economic slowdown, and experience all the excitement of the world cup in the region. This excitement was strongly contrasted with the heartbreaking family losses suffered by too many members of our staff during 2010 and a couple of medical emergencies of our own.

Before we knew it the 2010 season had drawn to a close and it was time to pack up camps. After a prolonged dry spell through November finally the rains were upon us, and the rebirth of nature was there to be witnessed from the flora bursting into vigorous new growth to the impala dropping their young.

And now for 2011! So much is planned for this New Year, all thrilling and wonderful. Reservations are going extremely well, keeping Izzy busy as she prepares to head out to the US for some travel shows, our website is being continually revamped (definitely an ongoing process!), Derek and I are busy planning the renovation of Kaingo Camp and of course preparing the arrival of our new baby! We are looking forward with much anticipation to our 2011 season! Out of our many New Year resolutions I will only mention that I want to make sure this newsletter comes out more regularly (thanks to Izzy and Derek’s help) and to continue to provide you with interesting peeks of what is happening in our camps and in our lives.

We would like to start the New Year with a big thank you to all our guests, suppliers, staff, colleagues, families and friends for your continuous interest and support in Shenton Safaris and for your contribution to our ongoing projects in conservation and community welfare.

WE WISH YOU ALL AND YOR FAMILIES A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS AND JOURNEY-FILLED 2011!

To celebrate the New Year, I wanted to share with you the exquisite display of birdlife in South Luangwa. We talk a lot about the big fives, large cats and other large mammals while leaving aside the marvels of our fluffy friends! With our network of photographic hides, we are granted with amazing opportunities to capture these memories on film (or should I say sensor?). All these images were taken by Izzy, our in house marketing and reservations consultant. I particularly love the photo of the Giant King Fisher with his catch, which she took just outside her chalet at Kaingo.

For your eyes only – here is the magic of their colourful show.

You will find a few more announcements at the end of the newsletter.

Otherwise that’s it for me for now! Till later in 2011!

Jules

Flock of Red-Billed Queleas taking off

A few announcements:

We would like to prepare a collage poster for our staff to celebrate their hard work over the past years. If you happen to have pictures involving any member of our staff, please send them in medium resolution to Izzy at info@kaingo.com. Thank you!

In our November newsletter, we had announced the arrival of the Project Luangwa newsletter. A heartfelt thank you for your warm welcome to this letter, and most of all for your enthusiastic response! The sponsorship and donations flew in, and as a result, Project Luangwa has been able to sponsor 45 children at both primary and secondary level. The difference that sponsorship makes to these children cannot be underestimated. Without this help they would not have been able to get even the most basic level of education!

We would like to present you the interesting initiative of a few South African wildlife lovers who have created a new website dedicated to wildlife photography and experiences. The website is only a few weeks old and merits all your support too! Check out the flyer below or go directly to the website: http://www.inthewild.co.za/